Chapter 995
Chapter 995 - 981: A Small Gift
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The return journey was much smoother than expected.
But this time, perhaps due to the special circumstances, the final landing site was chosen to be Changping State.
The customary quarantine inspection period, the usual restrictions on movement, and the cumbersome process of customs declaration that took days... Except this time, the people who came to "pick up" were a bit special.
"Not only did the leaders of Changping State come, but the government and Bureau of Anomaly Management from the Ancient city sent people too..."
Lu Ping’an met with those he had seen and those he hadn’t during these couple of days, making proactive visits to the quarantine zone.
The words were all pleasant, with phrases like "Pillar of the country" and "Hero who eradicates harm for the citizens" thrown around cost-free, but the friendly, tolerant, and even somewhat ingratiating attitude put some of the anxious Rebirth Club at ease.
After all, by this point, anyone with a bit of an information source knew that the club and Lu Ping’an had hidden something...
"... Have a good rest, make good adjustments, and wait for you to achieve better results."
This attitude, which didn’t dwell on the past, didn’t discuss specifics, only the bright future, was somewhat empty but at least could be considered a positive statement.
"What’s past is past, just do well from now on..."
This undoubtedly relieved Lu Ping’an, as some things would really be troublesome if they were to be laid out on the table... like discussing issues of smuggling and tax evasion.
But evidently, at his "level," some rules could be bypassed.
You don’t say, I don’t say, and then nobody knows...
"Is this the privilege of being at the Rule-level, then..."
Lu Ping’an realized that the treatment and bargaining chips offered by the two groups of people were indeed those of a Rule-level...
"As long as you don’t murder, break the law, or destroy cities, as long as you stand with the public, you can play however you like..."
In fact, Rule-level individuals capable of destroying cities on their own are like human nuclear weapons, receiving preferential treatment in various aspects... especially when two cities are courting them at the same time.
"When I retire, the Deputy Director will likely retire too... The Bureau of Anomaly Management is reassured to have such a talented youth like you."
The implications, both overt and covert, of aiming for the Deputy Director role, brought Lu Ping’an to a mix of laughter and tears.
Originally, he had a whole set of plans to deal with the potential interrogation by the Bureau of Anomaly Management... after all, in legal terms, he was still under the "supervision" of the Bureau as an offender.
He could kill a Rule-level, but that didn’t mean he had Rule-level combat power himself; just by calling in a Rule-level from the city or state, they could easily kill him... If he were truly classified as a "super threat," Lu Ping’an had no doubt about the Bureau’s speed and determination to turn against him.
But now, it seems he has unconsciously passed the test...
"You need to be steady and solid, young man. It’s good to have drive, but as long as your stance is firm, we elders will have your back..."
𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚
The words seemed to encourage the junior, with the sole focus being on "having a firm stance."
This time, Lu Ping’an had successfully contested for the face of the Ancient city and taken revenge for Changping.
On his journey here, especially through the Green Planet, the Abyss, and the Feather Tribe’s territory, his "stance" had always been quite stable...
"...Of course, I will fulfill my duty as a special agent and a police officer, always prioritizing the safety of the people..."
Lu Ping’an was also "well-tested," and he rattled off such standard lines with ease.
As a result, this sort of empty talk sparked a round of applause from the opposite side, and someone even clapped... Indeed, what one says isn’t important, "attitude" is what matters most.
After hinting that "in life he is a person of the Ancient city, in death he is a ghost of the Ancient city," the representatives from the Bureau of Anomaly Management and the Ancient city left satisfied... They were incredibly busy, but a Rule-level Seed that had actualized its potential was worth their special trip.
The representatives from Changping were even more straightforward, offering a multitude of preferential treatments and conditions to facilitate Lu Ping’an’s future development and needs... Lu Ping’an felt somewhat guilty accepting these tax reduction and exemption clauses.
They did not force Lu Ping’an to join, and the attempts to attract him were moderate; instead, they said, ...
"The rewards will take some time to process. During this period, if you have any special requests, feel free to raise them..."
This meant that, beyond the official bounty, Changping was willing to offer additional compensation and rewards.
But on further thought, this was actually to be expected.
The city that had run into trouble this time was Xiachuan City, a subordinate city of Changping State.
The Ancient city and Xiachuan had no direct relationship; taking revenge or venting anger was "helping" out of personal will, but Changping State had an "obligation".
In all respects, it had to make a "statement" to Lu Ping’an, a "civilian force" professional, and even offer a "generous reward"...
"This is a small gift; I hope you like it. It’s not a part of the bounty rewards but a pure token of thanks..."
The officials of the New Era were indeed absurdly wealthy; even a casual gift like this made Lu Ping’an feel somewhat overwhelmed.
"Red glove..."
"Ha, we’ve heard of your new title, so we simply did a bit of custom work and changed the color, but it doesn’t affect its function."
The giver had selected the gift with sincerity and care; it was a pair of crimson leather gloves, a "weapon".
Such a "namesake" piece of equipment could easily become symbolic of a professional, and the decision-maker who gifted it was indeed very thoughtful; Lu Ping’an was very pleased, especially since...
"...It’s actually a Rule-level Taboo item?!"
This "small gift" was rather extraordinarily heavy.
Regardless of appearance, as well as practicality, it was supremely compatible with Lu Ping’an.
[Sindar’s Black Dragon Gloves (Lower Gold Taboo Item)]
While the "color" made Lu Ping’an want to quibble, the rich and exaggerated Flaming element within was undoubtedly the most fitting equipment for him.
Fortunately, gloves in this world don’t carry any special connotations, which spared Lu Ping’an from wondering if this was a hint of some sort... like becoming someone’s "hand" or glove.
He happily put them on right there, finding them a perfect fit, and once again prompting a wave of applause.
The courting by the two major authorities gave Lu Ping’an a sigh of relief; at the same time, he did not miss out on such a good opportunity.
"A business license? Simple, it’ll be done within a week."
"The franchise rights for arms and Taboo items are indeed troublesome and require scrutiny... but you can start with the license, and we’ll fill in the procedures later."
This was no longer just being "friendly"; they were clearly helping to push things along, pleased to see Lu Ping’an setting up his own "industry".
Seeing Lu Ping’an speak thus, their faces immediately lit up with joy, and Lu Ping’an could tell that it was not an act.
Xia Qin’s report had not yet been submitted; they did not know this was Lu Ping’an’s "path"... At that moment, Lu Ping’an was still puzzled. It was normal to express friendliness, but why were they also happy? He felt he might be overstepping a bit.
"To them, your willingness to set down roots here, to develop locally, is enough... You underestimate the significance of a Rule-level professional. A Rule-level professional doesn’t need to do anything; just residing in that city signifies the safety and stability of such a city."
This time, Lu Ping’an understood.
In the realm of the Feather Tribe, a Rule-level professional was valued similarly; but locally, a Rule-level professional, or rather a future Rule-level professional, was worth all this courtship and "friendship".
So, he effortlessly took care of those dozen or so business licenses involving various domains (medical, military, metallurgy, food...) clearing away the most troubling and time-consuming procedures for major development.
— End of Chapter 995 —